Rhubarb Bread Recipe | Moist & Flavorful Homemade Loaf
Rhubarb Bread Recipe is a delightful way to celebrate the tart, tangy flavor of rhubarb in a soft, moist, and aromatic loaf. With its natural pink hue and delicate balance of sweetness and tartness, rhubarb bread makes a comforting treat that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Unlike typical quick breads, the unique flavor of rhubarb brings a refreshing twist that pairs beautifully with warm spices, nuts, or a touch of vanilla.
This versatile bread offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the spring harvest of rhubarb, but it can also be made year-round using frozen stalks. Its moist texture, subtly sweet flavor, and slight tang make it appealing to all ages, from kids to adults. Whether you are serving it for a weekend brunch, gifting it to a friend, or enjoying it with a cup of coffee or tea, rhubarb bread is a simple yet elegant baked delight.
Baking rhubarb bread at home is not only satisfying but also allows for endless variations. You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, fold in nuts for texture, or drizzle a glaze over the top for added sweetness. The process is straightforward, and the aroma of fresh bread with hints of tart rhubarb filling your kitchen is unbeatable.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups (250 g) | 910 kcal |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup (200 g) | 770 kcal |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp | 0 kcal |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp | 0 kcal |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp | 0 kcal |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | 6 kcal |
| Eggs | 2 large | 140 kcal |
| Vegetable oil or melted butter | 1/2 cup (120 ml) | 960 kcal |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 12 kcal |
| Chopped rhubarb | 1 1/2 cups (225 g) | 75 kcal |
| Optional: chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) | 1/2 cup (50 g) | 327 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat eggs, then add oil (or melted butter) and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in rhubarb: Gently fold in chopped rhubarb and optional nuts until evenly distributed.
- Pour into pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Add spices: Nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom can enhance the flavor.
- Sweeten or glaze: Drizzle a simple sugar glaze or dust with powdered sugar for a sweeter finish.
- Add texture: Fold in shredded coconut, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.
- Use frozen rhubarb: Thaw and drain excess liquid to prevent soggy bread.
- Make mini loaves or muffins: Adjust baking time to 25–35 minutes for smaller portions.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 365 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Fats | 17 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with butter or cream cheese spread.
- Pair with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for breakfast or brunch.
- Slice and toast for a quick morning snack.
- Gift a wrapped loaf to friends or family for holidays or special occasions.
Rhubarb Bread
8
servings15
minutes55
minutes365
kcalIngredients
IngredienttQuantitytApprox. Calories
All-purpose flourt2 cups (250 g)t910 kcal
Granulated sugart1 cup (200 g)t770 kcal
Baking sodat1 tspt0 kcal
Baking powdert1 tspt0 kcal
Saltt1/2 tspt0 kcal
Ground cinnamont1 tspt6 kcal
Eggst2 larget140 kcal
Vegetable oil or melted buttert1/2 cup (120 ml)t960 kcal
Vanilla extractt1 tspt12 kcal
Chopped rhubarbt1 1/2 cups (225 g)t75 kcal
Optional: chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)t1/2 cup (50 g)t327 kcal
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, then add oil (or melted butter) and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in chopped rhubarb and optional nuts until evenly distributed.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Fresh rhubarb works best, but frozen rhubarb can be used—thaw and drain excess liquid before adding.
Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread tender and moist.
Add extra flavor with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?
Yes! Thaw frozen rhubarb and drain any excess liquid to prevent the bread from becoming too soggy.
2. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
3. How should I store rhubarb bread?
Store cooled rhubarb bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
4. Can I add nuts or other ingredients?
Yes! Walnuts, pecans, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut can be added for extra flavor and texture.
5. How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is done.
Conclusion
Rhubarb bread is a simple yet flavorful baked treat that brings the tart freshness of rhubarb to a moist, aromatic loaf. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, this bread is perfect for breakfasts, brunches, snacks, or gift-giving. With its subtle sweetness, warm spices, and tender texture, rhubarb bread is a versatile recipe that deserves a place in every home baker’s collection.
